Perutusan Hari Kebangsaan Yang Ke-56 2013

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia,

1. Alhamdulillah, segala puji dan syukur yang setulusnya, dipanjatkan ke hadrat Allah S.W.T., lantaran di bawah lembayung rahmat dan keredhaan-Nya, kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia, berpeluang meraikan ulangtahun kemerdekaan negara buat kali yang ke-56 dalam keadaan permai sentosa. Tahun ini juga merupakan tahun ke-50 Sabah dan Sarawak bersama-sama menyambutnya sejak 1963. 

2. Sesungguhnya, bersesuaian dengan situasi semasa, MalaysiaKu Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku, telah dipilih sebagai tema yang tepat untuk Hari Kebangsaan kali ke-56 ini.

Saudara dan Saudari,

3. Hakikatnya, telah puluhan tahun rakyat Malaysia menempuhi pelbagai perubahan dan transformasi bersama, baik dari sudut politik, ekonomi mahupun sosial. Sepanjang tempoh itu juga, Malaysia menjadi sebuah negara yang berdaulat dan merdeka, bebas dari cengkaman serta belenggu penjajahan asing. 

MACC gets UN recognition

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has received international recognition from the United Nations as an independent, transparent and professional anti-graft body.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime's acknowledgement follows the success of the self-regulatory mechanisms employed by the commission as well as its own commitment to setting a higher bar despite learning from best practices internationally.

The commission, which had elevated itself to an independent commission status, answers annually to a parliamentary special committee on corruption and independent advisory board, a complaints committee and two other consultative panels.

"It is our hope that it will not only continue to strengthen its own capabilities, but also that it may serve as an example for other countries looking to build the institutional capacity to combat corruption," he said at the closing ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Train-the-Trainer Workshop for Voluntary Codes of Business Ethics in Medical Device, Biopharmaceutical and Construction Sectors yesterday.

PM in cameo role in BR24 special Merdeka drama

KUALA LUMPUR: For the second year running, Bernama Radio24 (BR24) has produced a special Merdeka drama with a cameo appearance by none other than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

While Najib delivered the National Day speech at the end of the drama in last year’s ‘Memoir 57’, this year the prime minister is acting in the ‘Ikrar Perwira’ drama, the recording of his conversation having been made at his office in Putrajaya.

“We were touched by the willingness of the prime minister to appear in the special drama despite his busy schedule,” said BR24 Head of Programmes Hakimi Zain who was present at the recording session.

“I am amazed at the professionalism displayed by the prime minister, who was able to complete the recording without much coaching despite not having acted before,” he said.

‘Ikrar Perwira’ will go on air tonight after the National Day speech by the prime minister in conjunction with the country’s 56th anniversary of independence.

The drama, based on the bloody tragedy in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah, was written by Nizuan Hanaffi and stars Man Raja Lawak in the main role with the other characters played by BR24 staff themselves.

They comprise managing editor Letfee Ahmad; producer Khairil Bashar; anchors Gerard Ratnam and Shuhadah Armawan as well as Nizuan, who is also the producer for the drama. — Bernama

(Source: The Borneo Post)

Najib: I want to make corruption part of Malaysia's past, not its future

Najib delivering his speech at the seminar

KUALA LUMPUR:  Legal provisions on corporate liability are being drafted to complement existing laws to promote business ethics, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.


"To truly build sustainable economies, we must also signal our commitment to ethical business practices by acting and reforming to tackle corruption at home," he said when closing a train-the trainer workshop here.

The workshop covers voluntary code of business ethics in medical, biopharmaceutica as well as construction in engineering sectors organised by the Malaysia Institute of Integrity.

"I want to make corruption part of Malaysia's past, not its future.

Revealing list of secret societies not premature - Najib

PUTRAJAYA,(Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today he did not think it was premature of the Home Ministry to reveal the names of the 49 secret societies even though the 'Ops Cantas' operation to weed out criminals was launched only on Aug 23.

The prime minister said the people anticipated firm action by the authorities following recent reports of an increase in violent crimes.

"The people look forward to firm and effective action by the authorities. These are the measures initiated by the government for earnest and comprehensive implementation through the Home Ministry and the Royal Malaysia Police," he told a news conference after chairing a meeting of the Bumiputera Agenda Action Council at his office, here.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, at a news conference today, announced a list of 49 secret societies categorised as illegal.

Najib announces RM4.2b contracts for Bumiputera firms

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today announced an additional RM4.2 billion worth of opportunities for Bumiputera companies to participate in four mega projects.

He said the government has agreed to extend the opportunities to Bumiputera firms to part take in the Menara Warisan Merdeka, Bukit Bintang City Centre, development of the Rubber Research Institute (RRI) land in Sungai Buloh and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) exhibition centre.

About 40 percent of the total value of the projects would be reserved for Bumiputera companies and the rest would be distributed via open tenders, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, told a media briefing after chairing the Bumiputera Agenda Action Council meeting, here.

Of the four projects, some are already being implemented such as the Matrade Exhibition Centre while the Menara Warisan is still in the preliminary stage although the timeline for the project is being determined.

Malay businessmen hand TPPA memo to PM, seek 75 non-negotiable conditions

Najib receiving the memorandum from Nizam at the Raya open house today. The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim. August 28, 2013.

A group representing 650,000 Malay entrepreneurs wants a controversial Pacific free trade pact to be completely revamped, heaping more pressure on the Najib administration ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit here in October.

The Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) handed a memorandum to Datuk Seri Najib Razak calling for limits to opening up of certain sectors and removing government procurement and state-owned enterprises from the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) now being discussed in Brunei.

Nelson Mandela Awarded Lifetime Campaigner For Peace And Freedom

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) - Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been awarded the Lifetime Campaigner for Peace and Freedom of the Mahathir Award for Global Peace.

Mandela, 95, a global icon for peace and freedom, is the first recipient to receive the recognition under the Mahathir Award for Global Peace for his lifetime struggles to bring freedom to his people and continues to inspire people across the world.

Mandela, who played a key role in bringing apartheid to an end, is now hospitalized in Pretoria. He was admitted to a hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection.

South African President, Jacob Zuma, who is on three-day working visit to Malaysia, received the award on Mandela's behalf from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Dr Mahahtir's wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, the Chairman and Board of Trustees of Mahathir Global Peace Foundation, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing were present at the award ceremony.

PM distributes free lanterns for Mooncake festival

KUALA LUMPUR -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will distribute special lanterns free of charge to followers of his Facebook website 'Ah Jib Gor' beginning today in conjunction with the Mooncake festival celebrated by the Chinese community on Sept 19.

"In conjunction with the meaningful traditional festival, we have created a special lantern and will distribute them free of charge via this website," he said in a statement in Mandarin carried in his Facebook.

Najib said in his Facebook that the Mooncake festival was an important traditional celebration among the Chinese community.

He conveyed his best wishes to the Chinese community for the Mooncake festival through his Facebook website.

According to the Facebook website, "Ah Jib Gor", his followers had only to fill up their personal details such as full name, house and e-mail addresses in the special column provided.

Each follower could only get two lanterns while stock lasts, according to the website.

According to the Chinese calendar, the Chinese community worldwide will celebrate the Mooncake festival on the 15th day of the eighth month each year.

The festival is also known as 'Pesta Perpaduan' (Unity Fair) because the full moon on that day symbolises a complete and united family. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Share common responsibility to secure lasting peace: Najib

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today called on all nations to share a common responsibility to create a better future and secure lasting peace.

He said the international community faced perhaps it greatest challenge: "peace not just during our time, but peace for all times."

"It is a challenge that must be met collectively. It is imperative that we achieve a peace premised upon a covenant of the willing, not one enforced by hegemony or secured through coercion.

"Peace can only be achieved if we are willing to constructively engage each other, to substitute dialogue in place of conflict," he said at the Mahathir Award for Global Peace Ceremony, here today.

Najib said it was the spirit that inspired former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who stood solidly against war.

"Speaking at conferences across the world, he (Dr Mahathir) works tirelessly to deliver a simple message - war should not be the preferred path to peace," he said.

South Africa keen on transformation the Malaysian way

PUTRAJAYA: MALAYSIA'S transformation programme has caught the South African government's interest to learn more about its execution and implementation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said  the republic had invited Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala to give a detailed presentation on the matter to the South African government.

"(South African) President (Jacob) Zuma is keen to look at how we carry out our transformation programme, with emphasis on (its) execution and implementation.

"The South African government has asked Idris Jala to visit South Africa and make a complete presentation on the matter," Najib said in a joint press conference after a 90-minute meeting with Zuma and his delegates here yesterday.

He said Zuma had also raised issues on affirmative actions in creating jobs as well as fighting crime and corruption.

"These are issues which are quite familiar to us and we stand ready to contribute in terms of Malaysia's experience on whatever that we have carried out so far."

Zuma zooms in on Malaysia

One for the album: Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor posing for a photograph with Zuma and his wife Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma after the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian businessmen’s first investing spree to South Africa was some 20 years ago. Let’s do it again, said South African Presi­dent Jacob Zuma.

There were still huge opportunities, particularly in energy producing, transportation and manufacturing sectors, he said.

“Malaysia is a generous, trusted friend and an ally (to South Africa). We encourage more Malaysian businessmen to continue investing,” he said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.

In 1994, Malaysia made the right decision when it became among the first countries to invest in a newly created democratic South Africa, said Zuma.

“While the rest of the world adopted a wait-and-see attitude, Malaysia led the way,” he said.

“Today, Malaysians are the largest investors in South Africa from South-East Asia.”

'Merdeka' enables Malaysia to focus on healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-six years after gaining independence from Great Britain, Malaysia has seen tremendous development and progress in every field including education, industrial, agriculture, petrochemical and healthcare.

When it comes to infrastructure, as an independent nation, Malaysia can plan and construct huge infrastructural projects to meet the requirements of its people, such as highways and ultra-modern airports like the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The world-famous skyscrapers, such as the Petronas Twin Towers at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), symbolize such progress.

Being an independent and sovereign nation has enabled Malaysia to lay stress on expansion and development of the nation's healthcare.

Najib: Govt will continue to give opportunities to women

MARKING WOMEN’S DAY: Najib (second left) launching the National Women’s Day 2013 celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre. Also present were Rosmah (third left) and Rohani (left). — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue giving opportunities to women to improve their position in national development and transformation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this was because women were capable of carrying out their work and shouldering their responsibilities well, whether at the workplace or home.

“The government has no problem to continue giving opportunities for women to advance. When we have important posts in the government administration (to be filled), women have proven their capability,” he said in his speech when launching the National Women’s Day 2013 celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, yesterday.

Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, her deputy Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun and the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Najib said in line with the Women’s Day celebration theme this year, “Respect Women: Society Prospers”, women must be respected and treated well wherever they were, whether at home, the workplace and even in the lift.

Najib receives courtesy call from US Defence Secretary

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak received a courtesy call from United States’ Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel here yesterday.

Hagel, accompanied by his chief of staff Mark Lippert and the US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Lee McClenney, spent  about 45 minutes with Najib.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

Hagel, who arrived on Saturday, is on a three-day visit to Malaysia as part of his four-nation trip to Southeast Asia. — Bernama

(Source: The Borneo Post)

PM: Respect and protect women

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 25, 2013): In an oblique reference to the assault of a factory worker by her estranged husband in a Penang lift recently as an act of disrespect to women, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysians should respect women "at home, at work and even in a lift".

He said Malaysians should make a concerted effort to respect women in the light of domestic abuse cases that have caught media attention.

In the incident on Aug 12, the woman and her husband had separately gone to the hospital to visit their eldest child, aged nine, who was warded for high fever. The man assaulted his wife when they had an argument in the lift.

Veterinary officer Mohammad Affandi Ismail, 36, has since been charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing hurt.

The prime minister said a comprehensive system of mechanisms exist to protect abused women besides legal safeguards to protect them from discrimination and abuse.

Najib: Give women opportunities to contribute to country's development

KUALA LUMPUR: Women must be given opportunities to contribute to the country's development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

He said when given opportunities, women have always shown themselves to be capable of living up to the duties and responsibilities placed upon them.
 
"Time and again, it has been proven that when given high-ranking positions in government, women have excelled," he said while launching National Women's Day 2013 at Putra World Trade Center.

He said this year's theme, "Respect Women", was a call for women to be treated with dignity whether at home or in the workplace.

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

#Bajet2014: Your Idea is Valuable

I will soon be tabling the next National Budget in my capacity of Finance Minister. As a government elected by the people, I believe everyone deserves a say on how we as a nation will progress next year.

It gives me great pride to see that the rakyat share our vision of seeing Malaysia succeed on the world stage. 

Their commitment shows from the encouraging response we always receive before we table each year’s budget. This was most evident last year when we sorted through over 2,500 comments and suggestions taken from various social media platforms, the best of which were successfully incorporated into the 2013 Budget.

With the current state of the world economy, it has become even more important for us to come up with an ambitious yet sensible budget that sets the right pace and direction of our country’s growth. This is a daunting task but I fully believe that we can achieve the best results by working together as a nation.

On the 26th of August, we will be providing a platform for the rakyat to come together and share their views on the 2014 Budget. The discussions will focus on several topics including cost of living, housing and urban living, healthcare, public safety and other issues close to the hearts of the people. We will continue collecting your input until the 8th of September, after which they will be sent to the Finance Ministry for consideration.

To achieve our goal of becoming a high-income nation, we need everyone to play their part. I am looking forward to seeing your ideas

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Najib seeks views on Budget 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants the people to share their view and ideas for Budget 2014 which is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 25.

Najib extended the invite through his blog www.1malaysia.com.my and Twitter site and said he would soon be tabling the next National Budget in his capacity as Finance Minister and that as a government elected by the rakyat (people), he believed everyone deserved a say on how the nation progressed next year.

"It gives me great pride to see that the rakyat share our vision of seeing Malaysia succeed on the world stage. Their commitment shows from the encouraging response we always receive before we table each year's budget.

"This was most evident last year when we sorted through over 2,500 comments and suggestions taken from various social media platforms, the best of which were successfully incorporated into the 2013 Budget," he said in his latest blog entry today titled "Bajet2014: Your Idea is Valuable".

"On the 26th of August, we will be providing a platform for the rakyat to come together and share their views on the 2014 Budget. The discussions will focus on several topics including cost of living, housing and urban living, healthcare, public safety and other issues close to the hearts of the people.

"We will continue collecting your input until the 8th of September, after which they will be sent to the Finance Ministry for consideration," he said.

Najib added that to achieve Malaysia's goal of becoming a high-income nation, everyone needed to play their part and that he was looking forward to seeing the rakyat's ideas.

 (Source: http://www.mysinchew.com  See the blog on Budget 2014 here. )

Najib Launches IIUM Islamic City

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Friday launched the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) Islamic City which is set to reflect the university's success qualities on a multi-faceted scale.

The prime minister said the Islamic City, with its unique design and functions, would propel the university to be among the global league of premier universities in the 21st century.

"I believe the Islamic City will boost the IIUM efforts to become the central player in recapturing the historical and central role that Islam had once played in all fields of knowledge to benefit all of mankind.

"This city will bear witness to the progress of Malaysia as a modern state that truthfully embodies the values of moderate Islam," he said at the launch of the Islamic City in conjunction with IIUM's 30th anniversary at its Gombak Campus, near Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were IIUM president and advisor to the government on social and cultural affairs, Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, and IIUM rector Prof Datuk Seri Dr Zaleha Kamaruddin.

The Islamic City, to be built on 17.6 acres (7.1 hectares) at an estimated cost of RM800 million, would comprise an Islamic Centre, a medical centre, serviced apartments, a convention centre, a hotel, a shopping mall and a food court.

The project, which would use water as its underlying concept, was expected to be fully completed within five to seven years.

Malaysians Thank Najib, Government For Safe Arrival From Egypt

SEPANG, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Four hundred and nine Malaysians who arrived safely home from war torn Egypt today expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the government for prioritising their safety.

Cairo University second year medical student Muhammad Amirul Afiq, 20, said although the area where he stayed was still considered safe, he did not want to face the risks.

"The government is worried for our safety there and must surely know whether the conflict is intensifying, so it's better for us to heed the advice to return to Malaysia," he said.

Nas Hazim Zainal, 25, who had completed his studies (Takhassus Qiraat) at Al-Azhar University was alarmed and anxious at seeing thick smoke enveloping the horizon and had prayed to be able to return to Malaysia.

"Thank God we are safely back. We are really grateful to the prime minister for his concerns about our safety and welfare in Egypt," he said.

Najib launches Permata Children's Specialist Hospital project

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 23, 2013): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today launched the first Permata Children's Specialist Hospital project at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre in Cheras.

The project involves establishing by 2017 a RM606-million modern and high-technology hospital that focuses comprehensively on paediatrics.

In launching the project, Najib said treatment in various fields would be offered, including laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery; cardiology and cardiothoracic services; paediatric genomic medicine and paediatric endocrinology.

He said construction of the children's specialist hospital and a Women and Children's Hospital now being built at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital showed that the country's health service was on track to be in the league of that in developed nations.

Economy still expanding despite global uncertainties: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has still managed to achieve a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.3 per cent despite an uncertain global economic environment, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today.

He said various efforts would be continued to be boosted to ensure that the country's economy is stable and balanced to become a high-income nation.

"I believe we can achieve this with the efforts from all parties," he said in his comment on the GDP growth on his Facebook today.

"Although the global economic condition is uncertain, we have managed to achieve a GDP growth of 4.3 per cent," said Najib who is also Finance Minister.

Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced that the country recorded a GDP growth of 4.3 per cent for the second quarter of this year compared with 4.1 per cent in the first quarter.

BNM Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said domestic demand was still strong and the overall performance was affected by weak external demand.

"Domestic demand continues to be strong, rising by 7.3 per cent while exports recorded a higher decline," she said in a press conference to announce the figures for the second quarter GDP.
 

(Source: http://www.mysinchew.com)

‘Maritime sector to reap RM19b profit, provide over 55,000 jobs in 2020’

PORT KLANG: The maritime sector is expected to achieve up to RM19 billion profit and provide over 55,000 jobs in 2020, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

Najib said he was confident that the industry would thrust Malaysia as a nation that has the capabilities not only in the petroleum automotive industry but also venture into building high technology ships.

“The construction of the dredger ‘Inai Kenanga’ can be classified as a high-impact project,” he said at the launch of the biggest ship in Asia and third largest in the world, here.

The close to RM1 billion Inai Kenanga was built by Selat Melaka Shipbuilding Corporation Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inai Kiara Sdn Bhd.

The dredger has a market price of RM1.2 billion.

Najib said the ship was built in tandem with the Economic Transformation Plan and an entry point project as it provided a big impact to the country’s economy particularly in realising government efforts to transform the country into an advanced nation.

The prime minister said the government was constantly finding, identifying and developing sectors with good potential.

“The maritime sector, especially involving shipbuilding and ship maintenance work, is one of the industries accorded priority by the government,” he said.

Najib said big and efficient ports in and outside the country really needed dredgers of this size.

According to an appendix published by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) – Maritime Industry Report 2013 – the government projected shipbuilding and shiprepair industry would rake in more than RM7 billion. — Bernama

(Source: The Borneo Post)

Malaysia Launches Asia's Biggest Dredger

PORT KLANG, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Thursday launched Asia's biggest and the world's third largest trailing suction hopper dredger, prompting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to remark that it is a major boost to efforts to transform the country into a developed nation.

The dredger, owned by Malaysia's largest marine services provider Inai Kiara Sdn Bhd and named Inai Kenanga, was launched by Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, in Pantai Acheh, Pulau Indah, here.

The Inai Kenanga was built at a cost of almost RM1 billion and has a market price of RM1.2 billion. It was built over a period of 30 months and would be fully completed at the end of this year.

The dredger functions as a vacuum cleaner whereby sand or sediment along with sea water is sucked into the hopper through suction pipes.

Built with local expertise and manpower, the dredger has the capacity to carry a load of 33,335 cubic metres in its hopper. It is 200 metres long and 36 metres wide.

Genting bus crash: PM, DPM convey condolences to victims' families

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has expressed his sympathies for victims of the Genting bus tragedy, in which 37 people perished.

"Condolences to the family of the victims. Hope the agencies involved are conducting the best rescue operation," he tweeted Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has directed all relevant agencies to set up a special task force to investigate the accident.

"I am saddened by this accident. Condolences to the family of the victims. I hope they will remain patient in this trying time," he said upon arrival for his three-day official visit to Thailand here in the evening.

He said the task force must work speedily to identify the cause of the accident and identify ways to prevent similar tragedy in future.

"Whether this tragedy was caused by bad bus or road conditions, human negligence or other factor, we need to know it fast so that action can be taken to rectify the problem.

"The Genting Highlands road is a very important route used by many tourists on a daily basis, thus the enforcement of all relevant laws must be given priority to ensure it remains safe," he added.

(Source: The Star Online)

No more laws that restrict human rights, Najib promises

The government will not introduce laws which restrict human rights and liberties to rein in crime, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (pic) promised.

The recent spate of violent crimes involving firearms has led to a growing chorus of demands from certain quarters for the government to reinstate preventive laws.

But Najib disagreed with the demands, saying he will not reinstate the powers to detain individuals without trial that he has abolished.

"We are doing our best to find a good balance to ensure that human rights are not affected but to defend public interest as well," he said.

"This is what is needed for a more matured society," he said, adding that it was a fine juggling act.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had warned that Malaysians would have to pay a price for the more liberal brand of democracy they were demanding.

MAS will not be privatised, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will not be privatised as the plan to turn the airlines around has shown some encouraging results, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Government, he said, was confident that the national carrier was capable of improving its performance, adding that total losses recorded by MAS were on a “shrinking trend”.

The turnaround plan would take some time to produce the expected results, Najib pointed out.

“It will take time to turn around any business entity but what is important is that the trend is shrinking.

“The losses (suffered by MAS) are reducing and I hope it will not be too long from now that MAS will be a profitable company,” he told reporters after attending the Finance Ministry’s Hari Raya open house here yesterday.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, was responding to a suggestion by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that MAS should be privatised.

Dr Mahathir had said that privatising MAS was one of the ways to address the losses faced by the national carrier, particularly after undergoing turnaround plans several times.

Safety of M'sian students in Egypt remains a top priority: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 18, 2013): Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the safety of Malaysian students in Egypt remains a top priority.

The Prime Minister in his tweet said that the government would undertake the necessary measures to bring them home safely.

"The safety of our students in Egypt remains a top priority. We will do what is necessary to ensure they can be brought home safe," he said.

Najib had reportedly directed that preparations be made to bring back Malaysian students who are pursuing studies in Egypt in view of the current developments in the country.

Meanwhile, Education Ministry and Wisma Putra in Egypt have set up a "safe home" to facilitate the evacuation of Malaysian students if the situation warrants it.

Bloody clashes erupted on Wednesday between supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and security forces after the forces moved to clear out protest camps at two major squares in Egypt set up by Morsi's loyalists demanding his return to power. – Bernama

(Source: The Sun Daily)

Be wary of latest cyber scams: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has reminded the public to keep up-to-date and be wary of the latest cyber scams.

"It pays to keep up-to-date with the latest cyber scams. Please be careful especially with bank and credit card details," he said in his twitter account.

His tweet also attached a link to an article published by Bernama with the heading 'Look out for cyber cheats'.

The report said cyber crimes such as cheating using the identity of a bank via e-mail and SMS can be avoided if the people are more careful when using technology.

Association of Banks Malaysia (ABM) assistant general manager Joanne Wong said such cases occur when the swindler sends e-mail, SMS or make a telephone call to obtain personal details such as credit card details, password and transaction authorisation code (TAC) from victims by posing as a bank representative. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Najib Hopes KFA And Cardiff City FC Can Strengthen National Football

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hoped that the collaboration between the Kedah Football Association (KFA) and English Premier League's Cardiff City FC could also strengthen the sport on a national scale.

"I hope the collaboration between the Kedah FA and Cardiff City FC will strengthen the sport at the national level," the Prime Minister said on Twitter Saturday.

Two days ago, KFA and Cardiff City FC signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the performance and management of the state football team.

The KFA was represented by its honorary secretary and treasurer Aminuddin Omar while Cardiff City was represented by its director Datuk Lye Ek Seang.

Maintain Family Spirit During Umno Election - PM

PEKAN, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Umno members must place the principles of family as a strong foundation in the party elections.

The Umno president said through such principles Umno would continue to succeed in facing future challenges.

"We must be united as a family, don't cast aside the family principles. This is our foundation, we will be facing more challenges in the future," he said when speaking at his Aidilfitri Open House, here today.

The branch level Umno meetings recently had been extended until Sept 15 while the divisional delegates meeting and selection of the supreme council members had been scheduled for Oct 19.

Najib, who is also Pekan Umno Division head, fervently hoped the selection at branch and division levels would run smoothly and set examples for others.

FELDA Best Example Of Transformation - Najib

PENDANG, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- FELDA's success since its establishment 57 years ago is the best example of a transformation process that has materialised, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister said the transformation that had taken place in FELDA involved various dimensions - individual and familial, standard of living and lifestyle, physical and mental, and organisational.

"Happiness in the FELDA communities nationwide can be regarded as a successful transformation in the annals of our history. From the time before they (settlers) joined (the FELDA land schemes), after they joined and the situation now...the transformation has been crystal clear...and they are able to enjoy a better life," he said.

Najib was speaking at the launching of the National Settlers Day celebration and FELDA Integrity Plan, and Hari Raya do held at the Sungai Tiang FELDA land scheme, in Pendang, Friday.

MBSA Complex renamed as Kedah UTC Complex - Najib

ALOR STAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today announced the Majlis Bandaraya Alor Star (MBSA) Complex here will now be known as the Kedah UTC Complex.

He announced this at the official opening of the new Kedah UTC at  the five-storey building which formerly housed the City Point shopping mall.

Najib said Kedah UTC, the fifth in the country, would also be the first to offer a value added services, Community Service Desk (CSD).

"Through this CSD service, the public may apply to any government agencies here to organise a programme at their respective community or even at the UTC building itself.

"For example, a village head may apply to the relevant agency to organise a health talk or a blood donation drive at his community and the application would be channeled to the 1Malaysia Clinic," Najib said in his speech.

He said with the expanded services under the 2nd Phase of the UTC programmes, the centre would act as a channel to promote community events.

Najib: Okay only if family members not paid by govt

PENDANG: There is no problem with a minister or a member of the government administration recruiting a family member as his aide if it does not involve any payment of salary or allowance to the aide by the government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“If such an aide is hired by the minister and gets paid by the government, it is not allowed.

“But if the work is carried out on a voluntary basis and the aide is not a member of the minister’s office, we have no objection to this. (It’s okay if) he assists in the programmes and does not involve any payment to him by the government.” Najib said this to reporters after launching the National Settlers Day celebration and Felda Integrity Plan at a Hari Raya do at the Sungai Tiang Felda scheme, here, yesterday.

On the issue of Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz who was claimed to have hired his own son as a special officer with the ministry, Najib said he understood that the son was not an official aide who was paid a salary by the government.

Najib hopes M’sians in Egypt look after their safety

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes Malaysians in Egypt look after their safety, and not get involved in the country’s current bloody conflict.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude that Malaysians in that country were safe although hundreds of Egyptians were killed, so far.

“I am pleased with the well-being of Malaysians. Contact our embassy in Cairo to keep tabs on the current development,” he said in his Facebook yesterday.

Egypt is caught in a bloody conflict after a crackdown by security forces on protesting supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi, resulting in hundreds killed and thousands injured.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, Najib said he would open the Kedah Urban Transformation Centre this afternoon, to facilitate the people to carry out transactions with the government.

The prime minister is in Kedah yesterday, for a one-day visit.

In an earlier tweet, Najib said the government wanted to see the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute 40 per cent of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) to pave the way for a high-income nation.

He said this on his Twitter account when commenting on a news report that the SMEs target could be achieved by 2015.

Currently, SME contribution to the GDP stands at 33 per cent.

Finance Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah said SMEs would need to contribute more to the economic growth of the country to become a high-income nation. — Bernama

(Source: The Borneo Post)

Creches at workplaces help women to pursue career: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 15, 2013): More childcare centres at workplaces will give women more freedom to pursue their career, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

He said this in his twitter posting today, which also attached a link to an article published by theSun with the heading, 'RM15 mil incentives to set up childcare centres at workplaces'.

A news report quoted Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim as saying that more childcare centres would be set up with grant incentives provided by the government.

Towards this end, the government has allocated RM15 million for grant incentives to assist operators of private childcare and education centres in setting up high quality centres.

Rohani also said Budget 2013 provided income tax exemptions for five years and industrial building allowance at the rate of 10% a year to operators of private childcare centres. – Bernama

(Source: The Sun Daily)

Najib first leader to act on Sabah's illegal immigrant problem

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the first leader to take a strong proactive action by setting up the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, today.

The prime minister was also quick in taking necessary measures to ensure the security and sovereignty of the country were protected following the Lahad Datu incursion in February by establishing the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), he said.

"We see that our call to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants in the state has been heard by the current prime minister. This should have been done a long time ago.

"We also see that since the establishment of the ESSCOM, it has stopped the influx of illegal immigrants into the state," he said,

Pairin, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, suggested that a regularisation exercise be enforced on immigrants who have secure jobs here as they were also assisting in the development of the state's economy.

However, he said there should be a clear line on who should and should not be included in the electoral roll.

Tourism industry shows remarkable growth: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 15, 2013): Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the country's tourism industry showed a remarkable growth as the sector contributed over RM47 billion to the Gross National Income (GNI) last year.

The prime minister said the achievement had become a key pillar for the country to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.

"Malaysia has seen remarkable growth in its tourism industry," he said in his Facebook site which also attached a link to an article published by a local newspaper with the heading, 'Giving the tourism sector a boost'.

A news report stated that the second largest foreign exchange earner after manufactured goods and the seventh largest contributor to the Malaysian economy, the tourism industry raked in a GNI of RM47.2 billion last year.

Najib: Malaysia aims to become Asia's business event hub

Najib (second from right) officiating at the Dragon Awards on Thursday

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has targeted for business tourism to grow from 5% of total tourist arrivals in 2010 to 8% by year 2020.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said several programmes had been put in place to attract incentive and business groups to Malaysia as part of a bigger economic agenda in becoming Asia's Business Events Hub.

He said business events had also been included in the progressive Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which was to grow the business tourism arrivals to 8% of total tourist arrivals.

Najib said this was an increase from 1.2 million arrivals to 2.9 million by year 2020.

EGYPT UPDATE: Najib calls for peaceful solution for Egypt

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak today voiced his concern over the escalating violence in Egypt, calling on all sides to cease hostilities immediately.

“We are disturbed by reports of violence against protesters in Egypt and call on the authorities to exercise restraint,” the prime minister said in a statement.

“Any civilian casualties are deeply regrettable. We urge all parties to cease hostilities immediately and work towards a peaceful resolution.”

Supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi run from Egyptian security forces firing towards them during clashes in Cairo's Nasr City district, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013. Egyptian police in riot gear swept in with armored vehicles and bulldozers Wednesday to clear two sprawling encampments of supporters of the country's ousted Islamist president in Cairo, showering protesters with tear gas as the sound of gunfire rang out. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo)

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Najib Praises Che' Ahmad Azhar For His Beautiful Street Photography

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Wednesday praised Che' Ahmad Azhar, a Malaysian whose stunning street photography was featured in a blog by The New York Times.

"Well done!," said the prime minister on his Twitter account.

In 'Lens', which is the photography blog of The New York Times, Che' Ahmad's work, 'Walk of Life' was featured in an article entitled, 'A Street-Level View of Kuala Lumpur', written by Maggie Steber.

Che Ahmad, 49, a former advertising director and landscape photographer, is known to prowl Petaling Street in Chinatown, Leboh Ampang in Little India and Pudu, a Chinese enclave, in his quest for beautiful shots.

In courting the people who live there, he has grown into a seasoned street photographer who can make sense of crazy cityscape and vivid lives.

'Lens' presents the finest and most interesting visual and multimedia reporting - photographs, videos and slide shows.

A showcase for The New York Times photographers, it also seeks to highlight the best work of other newspapers, magazines and news and picture agencies; in print, books, galleries, museums and on the Web.

(Source: Bernama)

‘Najib more popular after GE13′

KOTA KINABALU: Najib Tun Razak, who completed 100 days on Tuesday as prime minister after the 13th General Election (GE13), is becoming more popular and continues to be the people’s number one choice in the face of a challenging political battle, according to notable Sabah politician Salleh Said Keruak.

He said the Umno president’s popularity continued to rise after playing a pivotal role in securing an increased number of (parlimentary) seats for the party, thereby maintaining Umno as the dominant party and the people’s choice party.

“No doubt that Najib is facing a political battle against parties that practise ‘extreme’ politics in terms of their approach.

“However, he (Najib) has managed to balance the principles of Umno’s struggle and justice for all by creating economic opportunities and jobs for people from all walks of life,” he told Bernama, here, today.

Salleh, who is Sabah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, was commenting on Najib’s political challenges faced during his 100 days’ administration after being sworn in as prime minister following Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victory in the last general election held in May.

Najib offers words of encouragement to Chong Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has offered words of encouragement to Datuk Lee Chong Wei who had to bow out of the final against China's Lin Dan at the World Badminton Championships in Guangzhou today.

Chong Wei, the world no. 1 singles player, suffered cramps while trailing 17-20 in the deciding set at the Tianhe Gymnasium.

"There is pride in defeat against such a formidable opponent. Well done, Lee Chong Wei," Najib said on his Twitter account.

Once Lin Dan reached 20, Chong Wei threw in the towel to indicate his decision not to continue before being stretchered out for treatment.

Meanwhile, China's five-time World Badminton Championships winner Lin Dan described his foe Datuk Lee Chong Wei as a great rival despite the latter limping out after suffering cramps in the third set of men's singles final at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, today.  

"Chong Wei is no longer a previous rival, I want to thank him because he is a great rival," Lin Dan told China's State-Run CCTV after winning the World Championships in Guangzhou, Sunday.  

Lin Dan also appreciated every match played with his greatest rival as he said chances for him to play the game with Lee were becoming fewer.  

The Chinese ace triumphed 16-21, 21-13, 20-17 (rtd) to clinch his fifth World Championships despite laying off from competitions for almost a year.     --BERNAMA  

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Selamat Hari Raya for everyone

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib calls on Malaysians to continue to plant the seeds of unity

(Source: The Star Online)

85,000 visitors attend Najib's open house

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his cabinet ministers welcomed about 85,000 local and foreign visitors at the Aidilfitri open house held at the prime minister's official residence, Seri Perdana, here today.

The open house, which opened its doors at 11am, saw huge crowds patiently queuing up since 8am. It ended at 4pm.

Dressed in blue, Najib and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, warmly welcomed and greeted their guests and shook hands with them.

This was the fifth open house for Najib and his cabinet ministers organised at Seri Perdana.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib said he was elated to see many people attending the event.

Najib: Harmonious means to respect each other’s feelings

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said the basic principle for being harmonious was for Muslims and non-Muslims to respect and not hurt each other’s feelings.

Speaking after a video conference call with Malaysians in five countries, Najib said Muslims must not hurt the feelings of non-Muslims and vice versa.

“If there is another way of doing it, it is better not to hurt the feelings. If you go on the premise of who is right and who is wrong, we will never agree. But if you go on the premise that we should not hurt feelings, then we will be a peaceful country forever,” he said.

Najib was commenting on the interfaith committee which was set up in 2010 to harmonise the different faiths in the country.

Excel in studies and safeguard image of the country: Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today urged Malaysian students who are studying abroad to safeguard the image of the country at all times.

He said Malaysians, especially students and officials, need to show their patriotism and love for the country by contributing to development after completing their studies abroad.

"Wherever we are, we are Malaysian citizens and we need to show our love for the country. We must also show a high level of patriotism. We cannot tarnish the image of our country when we are in another country because it can project a bad image globally," he said when tele-conferencing simultaneously with ambassadors and students from five countries at his official residence in Seri Perdana, here, today.

During the 45-minute session, held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, he spoke to students and ambassadors from Ottawa (Canada), Manama (Bahrain), Vienna (Austria), Islamabad (Pakistan) and Moscow (Russia).

Also present were Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low and Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan.

Najib said Malaysian students who are in pursuit of knowledge abroad must become useful human capital in Malaysia's transformation into a high-income economy when they return.

"Whatever our political differences are, we cannot tarnish the image of the country abroad. Instead they must acquire as much knowledge and skills that can be utilised to develop the country," said Najib.

Meanwhile, during the same tele-conferencing, Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor advised students abroad to study hard and show their appreciation for the sacrifices of their parents, and to acquire knowledge to help the government develop Malaysia.

"As a mother, I would like to appeal to children to call their parents and seek forgiveness although they will not be able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia.

"Do not forget the sacrifices of your parents. Wish them 'Selamat Hari Raya' because it is because of them that they (students) are studying abroad," said Rosmah.

(Source: http://english.astroawani.com)

Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/news/show/excel-in-studies-and-safeguard-image-of-the-country-najib-19972?cp

 

 

 

 

PM: Malaysians should respect each other

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (4th left) together with Deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin (2nd from left) cutting an Aidilfitri cake at the Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana. BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA (Aug 8, 2013): Malaysians should have mutual respect for each other in order to live in a harmonious and peaceful environment, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

He said the basic principle of understanding one another will help the nation to remain peaceful, stable and harmonious.

"I think the basic principle is if we want to be harmonious, Muslims should not do anything that will hurt the feelings of non-Muslims, and non-Muslims must not hurt the feelings of Muslims.

"If there is another way of doing it, it is better to do it rather then hurting the feelings of one another," he said in a press conference today at his residence here after hosting the annual open house.

Najib Razak : Majlis Pelancaran Pusat Percetakan Al Quran Mushaf Malaysia

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Najib Razak : Majlis Penganugerahan Pingat Kedaulatan Negara & Majlis Berbuka Puasa Media

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Najib Razak : Majlis Penyampaian Sumbangan Zakat 2013

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Najib calls on Malaysians to continue to plant the seeds of unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged Malaysians to always appreciate and preserve the peace and prosperity the country is enjoying and discard prejudices against each other to ensure continued stability.

The Prime Minister said it was vital to realise that it was not easy to build and maintain a stable nation as what Malaysia is today.

He said in the context of Islam, national unity could not be achieved if there was no unity among Muslims, adding that constant polemics would be detrimental to all parties.

In his Hari Raya message, Najib noted that the people could celebrate the occasion in peace, free from wars, conflicts or natural disasters that besieged certain countries.

“So, on such special occasions as this, for the sake of our beloved country, let us foster and continue to plant the seeds of unity.”

Perutusan Perdana Menteri Sempena Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2013

PM announces RM1,000 bonus for PNMB staff

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Monday approved a special bonus of RM1,000 as a one-off payment in conjunction with Aidilfitri for staff of Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB).

He said the bonus was awarded in appreciation of their hard work, especially in printing the ballot papers and the electoral rolls for the 13th general election held last May.

"I was informed that the management had sought special approval from the Finance Ministry as the PNMB staff had worked extra hard in printing the ballot papers and the electoral rolls, so much so that the opposition political parties were unable to furnish proof of their allegations of irregularities in the recent general election," he said.

"There have been all kinds of allegations but when asked to furnish proof (in the courts), they did not have any; every case was dismissed by the courts.

"This goes to show that their allegations are not true; the Holy Quran is the truth; the opposition allegations are not true," he said at the launch of the Mushaf Al-Quran Printing Centre at the PNMB headquarters in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, here.

Najib said it was hoped that the appreciation would spur the staff of PNMB to work even harder and be loyal to their company.

(Source: http://news.malaysia.msn.com)

Malaysia Can Be World's Second Largest Holy Quran Printing Centre - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed optimism that Malaysia can become the second largest Holy Quran printing centre after Saudi Arabia with the establishment of the Mushaf Al-Quran Printing Centre in the federal capital.

The prime minister said the printing centre was the outcome of collaboration between Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB) and the Restu Foundation.

"I am obliged to express gratitude to the Restu Foundation which sparked the idea for the setting up of the integrated Mushaf Al-Quran printing centre in this country.

"I am convinced that this consolidation between the Restu Foundation and PNMB can achieve the objective of making Malaysia the second largest Holy Quran printing centre in the world," he said in his speech at the launch of the Mushaf Al-Quran Printing Centre at the PNMB headquarters in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, here, Monday.

Ensure continued peace and prosperity in country – Najib

SHARING THE JOY: Najib (third right) and Rosmah sharing a light moment with staff of various women NGOs during a Bubur Lambuk cooking programme. — Bernama photo

PEKAN: Peace and prosperity enjoyed in the country should be maintained to enable  the people to carry out their daily tasks and worship without any hindrance, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Urging the people to be grateful for the blessings, the prime minister said: “In some countries, the people have to observe the fasting month and celebrate Hari Raya amid war and conflict … our country is much better.”

He said peace and prosperity that enabled Muslims to fast and pay the tithes during Ramadan was a testimony that the country was blessed.

“The blessings protect our country. These blessings are showered by God to Malaysia.

Medals conferred to 227 media practitioners who covered Sulu intrusion in Lahad Datu

(Left to right) Aron Raj, Shaun Ho, Ebrahim Harris are among the star’s team that covered the Sulu intrusion.

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib presented Pingat Kedaulatan Negara to 227 media practitioners who covered the intrusion by Sulu gunmen on Lahad Datu earlier this year.

The medals were presented at a special function at Seri Perdana here on Friday.

The Prime Minister said the medals were in appreciation of the contributions and services of media practitioners who had helped in disseminating accurate information during the entire intrusion.

"The media practitioners were exposed to a very high risk and yet they need to channel accurate and authentic information to the people.

"In the Vietnam war, the US had the latest technology but lost because it did not have the support of the people.

"It was different in the case of Malaysia where we humbled the communist insurgency by winning the hearts and minds of the people enabling the government to garner the support of the people," he said.

Najib added that articles in the print and electronic media during and after the intrusion had united Malaysians and kindled the spirit of nationalism among them.

The media practitioners who received the medals were those who had registered at the media centre managed at the Field Sahabat Residence in Lahad Datu between Feb 15 and April 15.

Eight policemen and two soldiers were killed in the intrusion.

Also present at the function, which was held before the breaking of fast was The Star acting chief executive officer and group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

(Source: The Star Online)

Medal to media practitioners

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday presented the Pingat Kedaulatan Negara (PKN) or National Sovereignty Medal to 227 media practitioners who covered the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah, earlier this year.

Among the recipients were five representatives from See Hua Marketing Sabah, namely Borneo Post assistant chief reporter Sandra Sokial and reporter Azmie Lim, Utusan Borneo reporters Norwahida Yamaluddin and Mohd Nazib Macpee and See Hua Daily reporter Jong Khiam Zhung.

The award ceremony was held in conjunction with a breaking-of-fast organised by the Information Department and the Prime Minister’s Department at Seri Perdana, the official residence of the prime minister.

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar attended the event.

Also present were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Abdul Rahman Sulaiman; Bernama General Manager Datuk Yong Soo Heong and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Datuk Zulkefli Salleh as well as the chief editors of several other media organisations.

China, Malaysia hail cooperation, pledge deeper ties

Malaysian Prime Minister Nazib Tun Razak (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Aug. 1, 2013.

China and Malaysia vowed to further boost relations and cooperation on the basis of bilateral achievements made in recent years.

During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said despite progress in all-round cooperation, bilateral relations still have great potential and a broad horizon.

China is Malaysia's largest trading partner, Najib said, and the two countries are making good progress in cooperations in various fields.

The two sides have joint industrial parks, their defense cooperation is on a steady launch, and more and more Chinese tourists are coming to Malaysia.

Najib commended that the Malaysia-China relations have become an example of mutual beneficial and win-win cooperation, and China is increasingly exerting greater influence on Malaysia's economy and society.

Najib sad over death of two national sportsmen

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed sadness over the passing of two talented national sportsmen, with the latest incident early today.

The prime minister, in his Twitter message, said the late national basketball player Jacky Ng Kiat Kee, 25, and national hockey player Chua Boon Huat, 33, would be missed by Malaysians.

“Saddened to learn about the passing of Jacky Ng and Chua Boon Huat. They were both talented national athletes who will be missed by all,” he said.

Ng died while representing the country in an invitational tournament in China, believed to be due to a heart attack, last Sunday.

Chua was killed early today in a road accident on the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), near the Kelana Jaya LRT station.

The Proton Perdana car driven by Chua was believed to have collided with a tanker lorry watering plants along the LDP in the 2.25am accident, said a Petaling Jaya police spokesman. — Bernama

(Source: The Malay Mail Online)

Concerns over health of public finances to be addressed in Budget 2014

KUALA LUMPUR: A detailed strategy on how to address growing concerns over the health of Malaysia’s public finances will be addressed in Budget 2014.

“We have already put in place a fiscal committee, which is looking into some of the challenges that we face, and all these will be addressed shortly, especially in the forthcoming Budget,” said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Budget 2014 is expected to be tabled on Oct 25.

Najib, also the Finance Minister, stressed that the Government remained committed to strengthening the country’s macroeconomic and fiscal position.

“At the moment, we are looking at various policy options ... we do understand there is a need for us to strengthen our fiscal and macro position,” Najib said in response to Fitch Ratings’ concern over the ability of the Malaysian Government to rein in its debt and spending.

Fitch had on Tuesday downgraded Malaysia’s sovereign credit rating outlook from “stable” to “negative”, citing that the prospects for budgetary reform and fiscal consolidation to address weaknesses in public finances had worsened after the 13th general election in May.

Najib: Budget 2014 to strengthen fiscal, macro position

Putrajaya will unveil policies in Budget 2014 to strengthen the country's fiscal and macro position, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (pic) said today, two days after Fitch Ratings downgraded Malaysia's creditl outlook to negative.

Najib said the government shared the rating agency's concern on fiscal reforms.

"We are looking at various policy options and the actual details will be unveiled shortly in the forthcoming budget," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times news portal.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said the revision by Fitch Ratings was only with regard to outlook but the rating agency has "reaffirmed our current rating and this is something positive".

The news portal also quoted Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz as saying Malaysia had the capacity to address these concerns in a gradual and sequence manner.

She said both the central bank and the government have been addressing all the issues all this while.

"We will set up to increase our economy to be more resilient and better enhance our potential to sustain growth," she said.

(Source: The Malaysian Insider)

Najib seeks formula to win back urban hearts

Effective methods should be formulated to restore the urban community's confidence in the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno to make them their parties of choice, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said BN and Umno leaders and members should work hard to translate their strength as the only parties that could develop the economy while reminding the people that they had fought to liberate the country.

Prompted by the strong message sent by the people in the last general election, he said in order to win back the hearts of urban dwellers, major problems like crimes, corruption, traffic snarls and housing prices should be addressed.

"Apart from the process of improving weaknesses in the party and acknowledging mistakes, we should also have the humility to identify problems of the urban community which should be resolved to their satisfaction," he said when breaking fast with Federal Territories BN and Umno members at the Muadz Al-Jabbar Mosque in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Malaysia's economy set to expand in 2013 and 2014: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 1, 2013): The Malaysian economy is set to continue to expand in 2013 and 2014 albeit with a slight moderation in growth, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said domestic demand will continue to anchor growth amid the continued moderation in external demand, with the growth to be mainly driven by the private sector and supported by the public sector.

"There are however risks to growth, especially from the external environment," he said in a press conference after attending Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) board briefing here today.

Najib said global growth is expected to continue to remain modest as growth in the major advanced economies will still be affected by the ongoing structural adjustments and policy uncertainty.

He said Malaysia could face increased volatility in the financial markets as these major economies are calibrating their policies.

"Given this challenging environment, BNM has put forward a number of proposals to strengthen our economic resilience and to accelerate our economic transformation agenda to become a high value-added and high-income economy," he said.

In addition, Najib said the government is committed to strengthening the country's macro and fiscal position.
"We have put in place a fiscal committee, we are looking at some challenges and all these will be addressed shortly, particularly in the forthcoming budget," he said. – Bernama

(Source: http://www.thesundaily.my)

Najib: Govt serious in tackling crime, graft

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Barisan Nasional government is committed to addressing crime and graft, providing public transport and affordable housing  to win over a fast-changing urban demographic, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.

Apart from addressing internal weaknesses, the prime minister said it was important for leaders to listen to the people with humility, while upholding their interests.

As such, Najib said, the three issues that were of most concern to city residents could, if addressed, translate into BN and Umno regaining their support in urban areas.

"We need to study how we can strengthen Umno and BN's standing in cities, within the context of rapid changes.

"While urbanites are more educated these days, we need to be able to present ourselves as the people's choice, not only in the rural areas but also in the cities," he said last night.

Najib, who is also BN chairman, said it was important for the government to find ways to combat rising crime and corruption.

"We need to make people feel safe from serious crime, snatch thefts and robberies."

He said public transport must be developed as an alternate means of transport for urban residents to reduce traffic congestion.

"Public transport needs to be used not only by those in the low-income groups but also by the more well-to-do groups, as is the practice in developed cities such as New York and London."

On affordable housing, Najib said 80,000 homes would be built in the Federal Territories.

He said the houses, which were eagerly-awaited for by the public, would cost between RM150,000 and RM300,000.

Najib was attending a breaking of fast ceremony with BN leaders at the Muadz bin Jabal Mosque in Setiawangsa.

During the ceremony, Najib presented RM500,000 to the mosque to be used for upgrades.

Present were Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Setiawangsa member of parliament Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Zahari.

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Najib Thanks Security Forces Personnel

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed his appreciation and thanks to the security forces personnel for their deeds and contributions in protecting the country's sovereignty.

The prime minister said the Warriors' Day celebration, falling on July 31 every year, was meant to commemorate and honour the deeds and contributions of national heroes.

"Furthermore, the militant intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu (Sabah) is still fresh in people's mind. The sacrifices of our fallen and injured heroes in Lahad Datu will be remembered forever as they were among the heroes who had protected the sovereignty of the our country.

"While we commemorate our fallen heroes on this Warriors' Day, we should also think about the wellbeing of the families and children they left behind. Al-Fatihah," he said in his Facebook page Wednesday.

(Source: Bernama)

EO replacement law coming soon

PUTRAJAYA: The proposed law to replace the recently repealed Emergency Ordinance will be tabled at the next meeting of the Dewan Rakyat in September, as the Prime Minister pushes for tough anti-crime measures to “bring back public peace and confidence”.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the new legislation would strengthen the capability of the police to act against serious and organised crimes.

“A committee comprising the Home Minister, the Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General is now drafting the extra provisions in the proposed law to tackle serious crimes,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

“The Government is also ready to consider requests and requirements from the police as long as there is guarantee that there will be no abuse of power and violation of human rights.

“We cannot allow the situation to persist,” he said in reference to the recent spate of shootings, including the killing of Arab Malaysian Bank founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

He added: “Immediate and serious action must be taken by the authorities to bring back public peace and confidence.

“I am deeply concerned with the recent developments where murders involving firearms can occur in a brazen manner.

“I understand that this is an issue that touches the people’s feelings and concerns, and they are becoming increasingly worried about their safety and rampant serious crimes.

“The police would have to look at what action can be taken under the existing laws to make the streets safe again.”

Najib said the police could ask for anything they needed to improve their effectiveness in fighting serious crimes.

“It is up to the police to ask from the Government what they require to enhance their capacity.

“We will provide the police, within our affordability, their needs to fight serious and organised crimes,” he said after chairing the National Finance Council meeting.

Early this month, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Government would not push to reintroduce preventive detention to deal with the rise in organised crime while Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail believed that the country still needed a law to clamp down on gangsterism and serious crimes but was against preventive detention.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, however, said some kind of preventive law was needed to strike fear in violent criminals and check organised crime.

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib: Take advantage of 6,000 PhD programme

KUALA LUMPUR -- Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged the people to take advantage of the government's move to turn out 6,000 Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) by 2023.

"The government targets 6,000 doctorates in philosophy by 2023. Anyone who has the chance, must take advantage of the initiative," said the Prime Minister in his Twitter account today.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said the government targeted 6,000 PhD graduates by 2023, in line with the effort to turn out experts in numerous fields to develop the national industrialisation policy.

Abdul Wahid told the Dewan Negara that the target was a mechanism to create a cluster of human resources with vast knowledge.

The Prime Minister also wrote in his Twitt that he would break the fast and attend a 'tahlil' prayer and 'doa selamat' in conjunction with Warrior's Day at the National Mosque this evening. 

Tomorrow, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah would attend a Warrior's Day celebration ceremony at Merdeka Square here. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

KL-Singapore rail tender open to international bidders

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday confirmed that the tender for the high-speed rail (HSR) link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will be opened to international bidders.

He said the Malaysian and Singaporean governments are in the process of deciding on the modality, way forward and procedure for execution.

“We expect this to be a very transparent, open bidding system in which companies from all over the world are free to participate,” he said at a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault, here, yesterday.

On the rail industry in Malaysia, Najib said Malaysia is embarking on extensive rail development, such as the multi-billion Klang Valley mass rapid transit project and the HSR project, which is targeted for completion by 2020.

The rail link is expected to cost around RM40 billion, including RM10 billion to buy high-speed bullet trains.

Earlier, Najib and Ayrault witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysian Industry-Government
Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and Thales, a global technology leader for aerospace and transportation markets, for the development of the country’s rail industry.

With more than RM160 billion government investment expected in the industry until 2020, the MoU will address human capital competency issues.

In a statement yesterday, MIGHT said the MoU is aimed at supporting the government’s commitment to the development of Malaysia’s public transport system via the Rail Centre of
Excellence (RCOE).